Murder Again [SEQUEL OF TWISTED MURDER]

Trapped

After a long dinner, I re-entered my tent, the musty scent of the fabric and the gentle rustling of the nearby trees filled the air. However, my solitude was abruptly disturbed as Omar burst into my tent, his hurried footsteps echoing through the confined space. Alert and apprehensive, I swiftly rose from my makeshift bed and obediently trailed behind him as he led me deeper into the forest. With each step, the sun-dappled clearing and the comforting sounds of the camp became distant memories, replaced by the uncanny silence and the encroaching darkness of the woods. He led us to a secluded spot, deep within the heart of the forest, amidst the towering trees and the ominous hush of the wilderness. Suddenly, he stumbled and collapsed to the ground. My eyes widened in shock as I witnessed a gleaming knife pointing out from Omar's back. I soon noticed a black figure running from the scene.

Omar was the clown. Guess he doesn't joke about everything now does he? Enjoy your last message from me.
Until the end.
-E

I made my way back to the campsite where I was quickly greeted with a hug from William. "Where have you been?? Are you ok?? You've been out all night!?!?" William panicked hugging me tighter by the second. I decided to keep the previous events to myself as I walked back to the rest of the group with him. I kept reassuring him that I was fine on the way. We all gathered around the campfire to discuss the death of Omar. As I began to recount the events, I hesitated, not wanting anyone to worry about me. Finally, I managed to explain that while we were talking, he was suddenly stabbed from behind. The group was visibly shaken by the news. Melodie was on the verge of tears, as usual. After a few moments of heavy silence, Joshua suddenly stood up in front of the group and pointed directly at William. "It's him, he must be the killer," Joshua accused, promptly writing down his vote. Everyone's shocked gazes settled on William, and I could feel his pulse quickening. I couldn't help but ask Joshua, "Why would it be William?" My voice was steady as I looked him directly in the eye. "Who else would be so jealous of the fact that you were talking to another guy?" Joshua replied firmly, placing his vote in the box. I was taken aback. His words made perfect sense, but I couldn't bear to lose the guy I loved.

"William, please tell me they're wrong!" I whimpered, tears cascading down my flushed cheeks. His intense gaze met mine, exuding unwavering confidence. "Of course they're wrong! Just tell me who you're going to vote for and I'll vote with you," he assured me. A surge of admiration swelled within me - William was the epitome of grace and assurance. With trembling hands, I carefully inscribed J-O-S-H-U-A on my paper and presented it to him, barely managing to control my emotions.

While waiting for Charlie to announce the votes, I noticed Melodie coming over to sit with me. "Hey Mel" I tried to smile as I spoke. I saw a couple of tears build up in the corner of her eyes. I heard her whisper to herself something along the lines of "That's what he used to call me" but she quickly wiped away her tears. As Melodie sat down, she asked with concern, "Hey, Jordan... How are you feeling?" Her eyes searched for answers as she continued, "I'm guessing you didn't tell us everything that happened with Omar." I gazed at her in shock, feeling a wave of panic. 'What do you mean?' I stuttered, unable to hide my surprise. Melodie seemed to sense that something was wrong, but I couldn't bring myself to tell her...

"William had the most votes," Charlie announced to the group. I felt my heart stop. "NO! NO NO NO NO NO!" I screamed between gasps for air and tears that seemed to last forever. Amani tried to hold me back as I attempted to run. "Anyone but him! Please!" I cried, breaking free from Amani's grasp. I immediately ran over to William who still seemed to be in shock. I grabbed him and pulled him into a tight hug. "P-please don't leave me!" I continued to cry into William's chest as he began to hug back. "I'm not sure I have a choice this time..." he whispered before pulling away from me and slowly walking into the forest. Without hesitation, I quietly followed him. I knew he wouldn't want me to see this, but I needed one last goodbye.

"William!" I yelled when he finally came to a stop. I could see the stunned look on his face when he realised I followed him. "Jordan! Why did you follow me??" he protested but all I could think to do was cry. "P-please don't leave me!" I sobbed falling to my knees. I saw a blur of a red checked shirt in front of me and slowly William began to hold me close to him. "You'll be ok, Jordan." He whispered "You're a strong, kind, independent woman and you deserve the world. If only there was a saviour to bring me back once I'm gone." My tears immediately dried as I looked over at my journal in my pocket. "William I-" I stopped. I heard a bang and could no longer feel his comforting grasp. I began to panic. "Ahhh~ such a cute love story! Such a shame to ruin it!" A mysterious high-pitched female voice laughed. I turned to see a brunette girl with a rainbow top and denim shorts. "Oops~ sorry about that let me just-" the girl stopped and kicked the body with her foot. "There we go! That way you won't get so bloody! Anyway, I best be off!" she giggled. "W-wait! Who are you!?" I yelled back. She stopped skipping and turned for a moment. "You know, you remind me so much of Melodie and her disgusting relationship with Cody!" she grunted.
"You know Melodie?" I questioned.
"Know Melodie? Pfft She was the worst thing that ever happened to me! Cody should've been MINE! ALL MINE! BUT NOOO little Miss Perfect just HAD to come in didn't she!" She paused. "I've already said too much, have a nice day... Jordan."
"W-wait at least tell me your name!?" I yelled at her. "Call me E," she winked before skipping away into the woods. "W-William... I l-love you."